Why does my dog have a bad skin odour?
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Overview
A bad skin odour in dogs is often linked to a greasy coat, trapped moisture, skin irritation or an underlying skin condition such as seborrhoea. It doesn't always mean anything serious, but it is worth checking what else is going on, especially if the smell is new, strong or getting worse.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the smell is coming from the skin, the ears, the mouth or the coat as a whole.
2. Look for greasy fur, dandruff, redness, scabs, sores or patchy hair loss.
3. Notice if your dog is scratching, licking, rubbing or shaking their head more than usual.
4. Feel for hot, sore or thickened areas, especially around skin folds, the armpits, belly, paws and ears.
5. Think about whether the smell started after swimming, rain, muddy exercise or a change in grooming routine.
6. Check whether the odour seems worse between washes, after exercise or in warm weather.
7. See if there have been any recent changes in diet, bedding, shampoos or household cleaning products.
Common Causes
The most common reason is a greasy or oily coat, which can happen with seborrhoea or when the skin is not shedding and cleansing normally. This can give the dog a musty, rancid or stale smell.
Skin infections are another common cause. Yeast or bacteria can build up more easily on oily or irritated skin, and the odour is often stronger if there is redness, itchiness or discharge.
Trapped moisture can also cause a smell, especially in long coats, skin folds or after swimming and wet walks. If the coat stays damp, the skin can start to smell quite quickly.
Less commonly, allergies, parasites or an underlying medical issue may be contributing to the skin changes and odour. Ear problems can also smell like skin issues, so it's worth checking where the smell is actually coming from.
What To Do
Keep a note of when the smell started, where it's strongest and whether your dog is itchy or uncomfortable. That helps you spot patterns and gives your vet useful information if you need to book in.
Gently brush the coat regularly to remove loose hair and help air reach the skin. If your dog has got wet, dry them thoroughly, especially in thicker coat areas and skin folds.
Stick to a sensible grooming routine and avoid over-washing, as that can sometimes make skin feel worse. If your dog already has a sensitive or greasy coat, use products made for routine coat and skin care rather than harsh human shampoos.
Keep bedding clean and dry, and make sure your dog isn't repeatedly lying on damp towels, dirty bedding or muddy surfaces.
When To Contact A Vet
If the smell is strong, persistent or comes with itching, redness, discharge, hair loss, sore skin or a change in behaviour, it's sensible to get your vet to check your dog. Skin odour can be a sign that something is irritating the skin or allowing infection to build up.
You should also contact your vet sooner if the ears smell bad as well, or if your dog seems uncomfortable, is scratching a lot, or the problem keeps coming back.
Products That May Help
If you're managing coat care at home, a suitable grooming and washing routine can help support cleanliness and make it easier to keep an eye on skin changes. The arlo.® Pet Care collection may be useful as part of that routine.
Related Questions
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Can I wash my dog too often?
Why does my dog's coat feel greasy?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.